Etihad Airways today unveiled Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand which brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.

Initially,
six airlines will participate in the new partnership - airberlin, Air Serbia,
Air Seychelles, India’s Jet Airways, Darwin Airline, and Etihad Airways.

However,
any airline can become an Etihad Airways Partner even if it is part of an existing
alliance, such as airberlin, which is a member of oneworld.

The
key emphasis for Etihad Airways Partners is a strong commercial partnership and
shared values.

James
Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said “We are
broadening our business model to articulate and define a partner proposition
for like-minded airlines which will result in synergies and efficiencies for
participating airlines on the one side, and enhanced network choice, service
and frequent flyer benefits for the consumer on the other.

“The
Etihad Airways Partners logo is a seal of excellence and global cooperation. It
will be displayed on aircraft and on branded materials by a group of airlines
working together to connect travellers around the world, and increasingly to
harmonise standards in the air and on the ground.”

“The
potential for network alignment to maximise flight connectivity for passengers,
together with a shared passion for superior service, are central to the ethos
of the Etihad Airways Partner concept,” he said.

“Frequent
flyers will benefit from the formation of Etihad Airways Partners as it will
remove the complexity and confusion that exists within the global alliances.

“We’re
aiming to deliver a consistent experience for frequent flyers when they travel,
as well as a consistent framework for earning and using their miles.”

This will
include standardised mileage and tier benefits across all partners, no blackout
periods and priority services.

Etihad
Airways Partners will also have access to economies of scale and operational
synergies such as centres of excellence, shared sales teams in certain
destinations, joint procurement of services and supplies, and shared pilot and
cabin crew training at the Etihad Airways facilities in Abu Dhabi.